Welcome to The Crootletter (sign up to get this in your inbox every morning!). I'm Bud Elliott, SB Nation's National Recruiting Analyst, and in this space I'll be sharing news, rumors and musings on the world of college football recruiting.
I was on vacation last week and am just now catching up on all the recruiting news that went down during that time. Let's get newsletter readers caught up.
Three top quarterbacks off the board
Florida State landed four-star QB Bailey Hockman of Powder Springs (Ga.) McEachern. Hockman had previously been committed to Georgia. This is an absolutely loaded year in the state of Georgia. Hockman could be more consistent, which may come with better footwork, but he has a knack for making big throws.
As expected, South Carolina landed four-star QB Jake Bentley of Opelika (Ala.), whose father is on Will Muschamp's staff. Bentley is very athletic player and should fit nicely as the Gamecocks look to utilize quarterback mobility more.
Nebraska gained a commitment from Tristan Gebbia, a four-star QB from Calabasas (Calif.). I have not yet seen Gebbia in person, but his film looks strong.
Other commitments
Colorado made some noise over the weekend, adding the commitment of Jaylon Jones, a speedy four-star receiver from Texas.
Michigan State added impressive commitments from Hunter Rison, a legacy receiver recruit (yes, Andre's son) and four-star guard Kevin Jarvis. Michigan gets all the attention because it's Michigan, and Jim Harbaugh, etc., but the Spartans have won enough over the last half decade to continue their upward climb in recruiting.
Oklahoma Statelanded commitments from Texas twins in Tylan and Tracin of Ft. Worth (Texas) South Hills High School. Tylan is a highly rated receiver with a lot of athleticism, while Tracin is an athletic QB who missed most of 2015 with a knee injury.
Not to be outdone, Oklahoma picked up commitments from four-star Cedar Hill (Texas) receiver Charleston Rambo and four-star Waxahachie (Texas) receiver Jaelan Raegor, who was previously committed to Texas Tech. I am very impressed with Oklahoma's recruiting efforts in the Sooner state and in Texas this season.
I've written before about the job Mark Stoops' Kentucky Wildcats are doing in Ohio, and the latest pull is receiver Javonte Richardson of Maple Heights. Richardson has some Big Ten offers, but not Ohio State. Ohio players who don't receiver Buckeyes offers are the sweet spot for Kentucky, as the Wildcats can pitch the chance to stay close to home while playing in the SEC.
North Carolina added a commitment from Clearwater (Fla.) running back Adarius Lemons, one of the best players in the state. Lemons' running style (not talent level) reminds me of Darren McFadden. UNC is recruiting quite well and has coaching staff stability, which suggests to me that the program will remain consistently good under Larry Fedora.
Remember New Mexico's O'Maury Samuels, the running back who blew up at the Dallas Nike Opening Regional? He committed to Michigan. Quite a run for that young man.
Decommitment
Baylor lost the commitment of receiver Jhamon Ausbon, who is from Texas but attends the Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy.
Previously
Texas recruits and recruiting experts say that they are in a holding pattern, waiting to see what is going to happen with Charlie Strong and Kevin Sumlin.
If you're a recent signup or missed a day, that's OK. I link my previous Crootletters in this section.
Georgia, Florida State and Clemson recruits shined at The Opening Atlanta Regional.
Is Urban Meyergoing to copy Jim Harbaugh's Michigan spring break practice concept next year?
Who are the top players in Dallas? Where are they leaning? Find out in this recap of the Nike Opening Regional Camp.
Here are top players at the Miami Nike Opening Regional Camp.
What happens during a "junior day?"
Steven Godfrey and I discussed the mechanics and timing of negative recruiting.
How roster balance in recruiting can help with player development at other positions.
Which states kept top talent home the most? Plus, observations about in-state recruiting across the Southeast.